(This article appeared in the 4/5/04 joke issue)Prime locations along Locust Walk will be subject to a strict allocation system beginning next semester, according to the Office of Student Life.
"In light of the numerous student groups vying for table space along Locust Walk ... it is in the best interest of students for such restrictions to be put into place," Vice Provost for University Life Facilities Director Thomas Hauber said, noting that safety concerns were heightened by the the large student crowds.
VPUL Facilities' current mandate includes the provision of scheduling services for Perelman Quadrangle and student performing arts spaces.
"Our current system is slightly outdated," Hauber noted. "Given students' needs for flexibility in scheduling, we are developing a program that will hopefully not detract from the freedom that students used to enjoy."
Under the new computerized system, student groups recognized by the Office of Student Life will be able to reserve time blocks of up to a week along Locust Walk.
"It'll work somewhat like course registration on Penn InTouch," Director of Student Life Fran Walker said. "Only a maximum of five student groups will be allocated on Locust Walk at any given time ... this should not only enable passers-by to pay more attention to the respective flyers handed out, but also reduce the congestion so that students can more easily navigate the often-crowded [Locust] Walk."
Similar to course registration, there will be an open enrollment period wherein recognized student groups can rank their 10 most desired time blocks. After pre-registration period ends and time blocks have been allocated, any remaining time blocks along Locust Walk can be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.
"We're not going to put a cap on how much time student groups can stay on Locust Walk," Walker said, noting that the system will only be able to schedule individual days, not specific hours.
The particulars of where student groups can set up tables will also not be directly governed.
Acknowledging that unrecognized student groups may continue their publicity efforts along Locust Walk without going through the schedule process, Walker expressed hope that "students will be considerate enough to ensure that a safe and pleasant environment can be enjoyed by all."
Sanctions may, however, be placed on student groups in violation of the procedure.
"We might ban those groups from using VPUL facilities in the future," Hauber said, adding that the administration would be more lenient in the first semester that the new regulations came into effect. "We will give students sufficient time and training to become familiar with the procedure."
Student Activities Council Chairman and Wharton senior Simon Bland applauded the initiative.
"We're hoping that the allocation system will be successful and increase the effectiveness of publicity efforts along Locust Walk," Bland said. "Too often, there are so many groups claiming a week as their own that students cannot attend all the events they're interested in."
When asked how he felt about this new procedure, all Undergraduate Assembly Chairman and College senior Jason Levy could say was, "I'm starting to get really tired."
